Exclusive: U.S. Soccer Coach Jill Ellis Happy To Be Home In South Florida
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PALMETTO BAY (CBSMiami) – It's been a whirlwind past few days for Jill Ellis, the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's Head Coach, who happens to be a South Florida resident.
Her team's impressive win over Japan Sunday at the world cup in Vancouver has yet to sink in.
"It still seems a little bit surreal," said Ellis. "You know, obviously an emotional high and at the same time you're just so excited but you're drained because you put a lot into it.
"I was just so happy for our players and for our country to finally win a world championship again."
The British-born coach, who now calls Palmetto Bay home, says the fan support at the game was phenomenal.
"The fan support was crazy out there. It honestly felt like we were playing at home," she said. "Everywhere a sea of red, white and blue, so the stadium just erupted. It was madness and the goals came so quick, I think people couldn't catch their breath."
Thousands of cheering fans packed into LA Live in Los Angeles to celebrate the World Cup-winning U.S. Women's National Team.
Even though Ellis is getting some much-needed R & R at home in Palmetto Bay, she won't be in town long.
She flies out Thursday to New York City for one huge celebration.
"They're throwing a ticker tape parade for the team in New York City so again, it's going to be fantastic," said Ellis.
The team also has an extra special invitation to visit 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue receiving a call from the Commander-in-Chief himself.
"He called and I mean, what a tremendous honor when the president calls your team and invites you to the White House," Ellis smiled. "It's going to be fun. These players, they deserve this."
As for what's next? There's plenty in store.
"We'll have a fan tour so there'll be 10 games where we will travel around the country and that's between probably now and December when we travel around and play in a variety of different cities and connect with the fans," Ellis explained.
